Japan might be the land of cherry blossoms, neon cities, and serene temples—but tucked away between the islands of Shikoku and Awaji lies one of its most mysterious natural wonders: the Naruto Whirlpools. These aren’t just cute little eddies. We’re talking about giant oceanic whirlpools, some as wide as 20 meters, forming like clockwork beneath the dramatic span of the Ōnaruto Bridge.

Tucked within the quiet town of Minamiaso in Kumamoto Prefecture lies a sacred pool of impossibly clear water: Shirakawa Suigen. This isn’t just a pretty pond. It’s the literal birthplace of the Shirakawa River, one of the major water sources for the entire region. What makes it truly special isn’t just the water’s purity—but the sense that you’ve stumbled upon something quietly magical.